5 East Coast ski areas to check out this winter, from an expert

Towering vertical drops, mountain views and a small Vermont ski hill with “Beetlejuice” connections give East Coast skiers plenty to explore this winter, but finding the best conditions could require some flexibility.

AccuWeather Ski Expert Lincoln Riddle’s five recommendations span New York, Vermont and New Hampshire, putting them in the region forecasters expect to offer the East’s best skiing this season.

According to AccuWeather’s ski season forecast, El Niño will shape winter’s weather pattern. November could offer natural snow and snowmaking opportunities in New England, followed by December warmth that could limit open terrain.

Storms could become more frequent in January and February, although rain and ice may complicate conditions. During this period, there will be the chance of a significant snowstorm, which could deliver some of the Northeast’s best skiing of the season. Northern New England and upstate New York are favored for the best conditions in the eastern United States.

Here are Riddle’s picks for where to go when the snow arrives.

“The mountains listed may or may not be the biggest or the ‘best,’ but, rather, they’re places I think that are worth your time for varying reasons,” Riddle said.

Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York

For skiers looking for a challenge, Whiteface in Wilmington, New York, offers Olympic history and more vertical than any other ski area in eastern North America.

The mountain hosted Alpine skiing events during the 1980 Winter Olympics, and Riddle points to expert terrain such as Upper Skyward, Mountain Run and Hoyt’s High as reasons to visit.

Whiteface has 3,166 feet of lift-served vertical, making for long descents that can test even experienced skiers’ endurance. When conditions allow The Slides to open, adventurous skiers can access hike-to terrain that increases the vertical to 3,430 feet.

For those planning a visit around that terrain, checking what is open will be especially important.

Middlebury Snowbowl, Hancock, Vermont

Middlebury Snowbowl in Hancock, Vermont, proves a ski area does not need an enormous footprint to offer variety.

Owned and operated by Middlebury College, the mountain combines groomed trails with steeper stretches, wooded terrain and trails that depend on natural snowfall. Riddle particularly recommends exploring the terrain off the Bailey Falls Lift when snow coverage allows.

The Snowbowl also stood out for its affordability. During Riddle’s February 2026 visit, an off-peak lift ticket cost around $63, though visitors should check current rates before making plans.

For skiers interested in the woods and natural-snow trails, timing a trip after fresh snowfall could help make the most of this smaller Vermont destination.

Smugglers’ Notch, Jeffersonville, Vermont

At Smugglers’ Notch, in Jeffersonville, Vermont, Riddle says the terrain makes up for the slower ride uphill.

The Vermont resort’s older lifts are part of the experience, but trails such as Doc Dempsey’s and wooded runs through Highlander Glade are the bigger draw.

“The trees are epic, the groomers are great, the views are top notch,” Riddle said.

He also highlights the mountain’s typically plentiful snowfall, making Smugglers’ Notch a pick for skiers who prioritize exploring varied terrain. Its combination of groomed runs and tree skiing gives visitors several ways to enjoy the mountain when conditions cooperate.

Wildcat Mountain, Gorham, New Hampshire

Wildcat’s scenery in Gorham, New Hampshire, is a major part of its appeal.

The ski area faces Mount Washington, the Northeast’s tallest mountain, giving skiers close-up views of the Presidential Range on clear days. Riddle considers the panorama among the best in the East.

The skiing offers plenty to match the setting. Runs from the main summit lift feature more than 2,100 feet of vertical, with a mix of groomed trails, natural-snow terrain and wooded areas.

Riddle recommends waiting until a substantial amount of terrain is open before visiting. That gives skiers a better chance to experience the mountain’s variety, and choosing a clear day adds the views that make Wildcat especially memorable.

Northeast Slopes, East Corinth, Vermont

Northeast Slopes in East Corinth, Vermont, offers a smaller-scale outing with character that stands apart from the region’s larger resorts.

Rope tows have been operating here since the 1930s. The 35-acre hill has 360 feet of vertical, with some steeper sections and skiable trees that Riddle says help it ski bigger than its size suggests.

It also has an unusual Hollywood connection. Both “Beetlejuice” movies were filmed nearby, and bridge coverings used in the films found new uses at Northeast Slopes as storage, a pavilion and an equipment shelter.

During Riddle’s March 2026 visit, a lift ticket cost $15 and a hot dog was $3, illustrating the affordable, community-hill experience that earned Northeast Slopes a place on his list.